Hydrofoil kickboard

ABSTRACT

There is provided a kickboard for use in water, the kickboard comprising a central hull having a first surface and a generally opposing second surface. The hull is disposable in the water such that the first surface faces away from the water and the second surface is in the water. The second surface defines a convex configuration. The kickboard further includes an arm rest extending on opposed sides of the central hull and being grippable by a user

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a kickboard for a swimmer, and more specifically to a kickboard designed to roll from side-to-side within the water in connection with the kicking motion of the swimmer to work out the swimmer's torso while the swimmer holds onto the kickboard.

2. Description of the Related Art

Kicking is a vitally important component of a swimmer's overall performance. Swimmers obtain much of their swimming power and speed from kicking. It is well recognized that isolating and training the muscles used in kicking strengthens the kicking muscles and allows the swimmer to concentrate on the muscle movements used in their kicking stroke. This typically results in increased endurance and power of the swimmer's kicking stroke and the swimmer's overall swimming speed.

To this end, several swim training devices have been developed for training a swimmer's legs. A well-known training device is a kickboard which is typically designed to be held by the swimmer's arms or hands to essentially prevent the user from using his hands to propel himself, which thereby forces the swimmer to rely almost entirely on his legs for propulsion.

Although kickboards have proven to be useful training devices, conventional kickboards generally suffer from several deficiencies. In particular, conventional kickboards are prone to not only immobilize the swimmer's hands and arms, but also the swimmer's torso. In most swimming strokes, the swimmer's torso rolls from side-to-side as the swimmer propels himself through the water. The side-to-side roll of the swimmer's torso typically requires the swimmer to exhibit a great deal of core strength and endurance. If the swimmer lacks the necessary core strength endurance, the swimmer may break form, which typically has a detrimental effect on the overall performance of the swimmer.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved kickboard which not only provides the swimmer with a suitable leg workout, but additionally works the swimmer's core. Various aspects of the present invention address these particular needs, as will be discussed in more detail below.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various aspects of the present invention are directed toward an improved kickboard which addresses the above-described deficiencies in the art. In particular, there is provided a kickboard specifically designed to allow a swimmer's torso to roll from side-to-side while the swimmer holds onto the kickboard. The kickboard includes a central hull that includes a bulged or convex lower surface designed to allow the kickboard to roll from side-to-side in accordance with the swimmer's body as the swimmer propels himself through the water. As such, when a swimmer trains with the improved kickboard, the swimmer not only works out his legs, but also the swimmer's torso to allow the swimmer to develop leg muscle and core muscle strength and endurance.

According to one embodiment, the kickboard includes a central hull having a first surface and a generally opposing second surface. The hull is disposable in the water in an intended training orientation such that the first surface faces away from the water and the second surface is in the water. The second surface may define a convex configuration. The kickboard further includes an arm rest extending on opposed sides of the central hull and being grippable by a user.

The central hull may define a longitudinal axis. The central hull may be configured such that the second surface is curved within a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The second surface may also curved within a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis. The central hull may be configured such that the second surface defines a V-shaped configuration within a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The first surface may be complimentary to the second surface and define a concave or V-shaped configuration.

The second surface may define an apex having a first plane tangent to the apex. The central hull may extend from the first plane along an axis perpendicular to the first plane and terminate to define a second plane parallel to the first plane. The kickboard may define a maximum height as the distance between the first plane and the second plane, the maximum height being greater than 30 mm. The maximum height may also be approximately equal to 62 mm.

The kickboard may be configured such that the distance between the first surface and second surface is substantially uniform.

The central hull may define a forward end portion and a rearward end portion, the rearward end portion terminating to define a concave edge. The hull may be formed from a foam material. The arm rest may be integrally formed with the hull portion.

The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a swimmer using a kickboard constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the swimmer and kickboard of FIG. 1, wherein the swimmer's head is positioned down, facing the water;

FIG. 3 front view of the kickboard arranged in substantially co-planar relation to the water, with the swimmer shown in phantom;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the kickboard pivoted in a first direction relative to the orientation of the kickboard illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the kickboard pivoted in a second direction relative to the orientation of the kickboard illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the kickboard;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the kickboard illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the kickboard illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a side cross sectional view of the kickboard illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a front cross sectional view of the kickboard illustrated in FIG. 6, wherein the kickboard includes a convex-shaped hull; and

FIG. 11 is a front cross sectional view of another embodiment of a kickboard, wherein the kickboard includes a V-shaped hull.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention only, and are not for purposes of limiting the same, there is shown an improved kickboard 10 for use in swim training. The kickboard 10 is uniquely configured with a bulged or convex lower surface, which causes the kickboard 10 to roll from side-to-side as a swimmer 15 swims with the kickboard 10. In this regard, the kickboard 10 is distinguishable from conventional kickboards which typically include a flat bottom surface which causes the plane of the kickboard to remain relatively parallel with the waterline as a swimmer propels himself with his legs while holding onto the conventional kickboard. In contrast, the bulged, non-planar lower surface of the kickboard 10 allows the kickboard 10 to roll or pivot from side-to-side during swim training to mimic the natural body motion of the swimmer's body when the swimmer 15 kicks. The shape of the kickboard 10 provides a natural roll with the swimmer's hips, torso and shoulders while swimming with the kickboard 10. In this regard. the kickboard 10 not only glides along the surface of the water, the kickboard 10 additionally rolls from side-to-side as the swimmer 15 swims. Therefore, the muscles used during conventional swimming strokes are exercised when training with the kickboard 10, thereby providing the swimmer 15 with an improved strength and endurance.

According to one embodiment, the kickboard 10 generally includes a central hull 12 and a peripheral arm rest 14 extending from the central hull 12. The central hull 12 includes a first (top) surface 16 and a generally opposed second (bottom) surfaces 18, as well as a forward end portion 20, a rearward end portion 22, a first side portion 24 and a second side portion 26. The hull 12 is positionable in the water in a training orientation as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, with the first surface 16 facing away from the water and the second surface 18 in the water when the plane of the kickboard 10 is generally parallel to the waterline. The kickboard 10 is designed for an intended use such that the kickboard 10 is advanced through the water with the forward end portion 22 leading the rearward end portion 22.

Various aspects of the present invention are related to the shape of the second surface 18 which allows the kickboard 10 to pivot from side-to-side about a longitudinal axis 28, which extends between the forward end portion 20 and the rearward end portion 22, as the swimmer 15 kicks his feet in the water while holding the kickboard 10. According to one embodiment, the pivoting motion is achieved by forming the second surface 18 to define to a bulged configuration which projects outwardly to define an apex between the first and second side portions 24, 26 of the hull 12. Preferably, the apex is located along a midline of the kickboard 10 to allow for balanced pivotal movement, i.e., the kickboard 10 will pivot in a first direction as well as an opposing second direction (see FIGS. 3-5). In other words, if the swimmer 15 is not kicking, the kickboard 10 may be generally parallel to the waterline, as shown in FIG. 3. However, as the swimmer 15 kicks while holding the kickboard 10. the kickboard 10 will roll in first and second directions between a first angled configuration (see FIG. 4) and a second angled configuration (see FIG. 5). Therefore, side-to-side movement of the kickboard 10 exercises the swimmer's hips, mid-section and shoulders in a manner consistent with several swimming strokes.

Various aspects of the unique configuration of the second surface 18 are illustrated in the cross sectional drawings depicted in FIGS. 9-11. A first embodiment of the second surface 18 is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, wherein FIG. 9 illustrates a longitudinal cross section of the kickboard 10 illustrated in FIGS. 6-8 and FIG. 10 illustrates a latitudinal cross section of the kickboard 10.

The longitudinal cross section is taken within a cross sectional plane that is parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 and is perpendicular to an imaginary plane 30 that is tangent to the apex of the second surface 18 (referred to herein as “imaginary apex plane”). In the longitudinal cross section, the second surface 18 is spaced from the imaginary apex plane 30 at the forward-most tip, represented by reference numeral 32 in FIG. 9, by a distance D₁. The distance between the second surface 18 and the imaginary apex plane 30 decreases in a direction from the forward end portion 20 to the rearward end portion 22 until the second surface 18 intersects the imaginary apex plane 30 at the location represented by reference numeral 34. As the second surface 18 continues toward the rearward end portion 22 from location 34, the distance between the second surface 18 and the imaginary apex plane 30 increases. The rearward end portion 22 terminates at location 36, which is spaced from the imaginary apex plane 30 by a distance D₂. According to one embodiment, the distance D₂ is less than the distance D₁, meaning that location 32 on the forward end portion 20 is spaced more from the imaginary apex plane 30 than the distance D₂.

Referring now specifically to the latitudinal cross section depicted in FIG. 10, the latitudinal plane is perpendicular to both the imaginary apex plane 30 as well as the longitudinal axis 28. In the latitudinal plane, the second surface 18 defines a generally convex configuration. The lateral-most point of the first side portion 24 of the second surface 18 is represented by reference numeral 38, while the lateral-most point of the second side portion 26 of the second surface 18 is represented by reference numeral 40. Locations 38, 40 are both spaced from the imaginary apex plane 30 by a distance D₃. In this regard, locations 38 and 40 are equally spaced from the imaginary apex plane 30. In a preferred embodiment, the second surface 18 is symmetrical in the latitudinal cross sectional about an axis which is perpendicular to the imaginary apex plane 30 and passes through the apex 42. The second surface 18 transitions from the location 38 toward the apex 42 along a curved path, wherein the magnitude of the slope of the curved path decreases in a direction from the location 38 toward the apex 42. Similarly, the second surface 18 transitions from the location 40 toward the apex 42 along a curved path, wherein the magnitude of the slope of the curved path decreases in a direction from the location 40 toward the apex 42.

FIG. 11 shows a latitudinal cross section of another embodiment of a kickboard 110 having a second surface 118 which is slightly different from the curved second surface depicted in FIG. 10. In FIG. 11, the second surface 118 is V-shaped, which is in contrast to the curved surface shown in FIG. 10 and described above. In the V-shaped embodiment, the lateral-most points of the first and second side portions are represented by 138, 140, respectively, and are spaced from the imaginary apex plane 130 by a distance D₄. The V-shaped configuration includes a pair of generally opposed straight segments that extend generally between the apex 142 and the respective locations 138, 140. As such, the distance between the second surface 118 and the imaginary apex plane 130 varies linearly between the locations 138, 140 and a location adjacent the apex 142. In particular, the distance between the second surface 118 and the imaginary apex plane 130 decreases substantially linearly from the location 138 toward the apex 142. Furthermore, the distance between the second surface 118 and the imaginary apex plane 130 increases substantially linearly between the apex 142 and the location 140.

According to one embodiment, the first surface 16 of the hull 12 is generally complimentary in shape to the second surface 18 of the hull 12 to define a generally uniform hull height, wherein the hull height is defined as the distance between the first surface 16 and the second surface 18 along an axis perpendicular to both the first and second surfaces 16, 18. Thus, where the second surface 18 protrudes outwardly, the first surface 16 extends inwardly to define a generally concave configuration. The first surface 16 may be rounded (see FIG. 10) to correspond to a rounded second surface 18 or V-shaped (see FIG. 11) to correspond to a V-shaped second surface 118.

The rearward end portion 22 of the hull 12 defines a rearward edge 44 that is curved and defines a concave shape (see FIGS. 1 and 6). The curved, concave shape of the rearward edge 44 accommodates the user's head when the user 15 places his head down while swimming (see FIG. 2). In this regard, the kickboard 10 is specifically configured and adapted to allow the user 15 to swim with his head up and looking forward (see FIG. 1), or with his head down looking into the water (see FIG. 2).

The shape of the hull 12 is aerodynamic and does not impose an appreciable increase in the amount of drag created by the hull 12. In this regard, the hull 12 configured to move through the water, while at the same time minimizing the amount of water that is displaced by the hull 12.

The user 15 grabs the kickboard 10 and extends his arms over the arm rest 14 of the kickboard 10. The arm rest 14 extends on opposed sides of the central hull 12. The arm rest 14 includes a first side portion 46 coupled to and extending laterally outward from the first side portion 24 of the hull 12, a second side portion 48 coupled to and extending laterally outward from the second side portion 26 of the hull 12. Various embodiments of the arm rest 14 additionally include a forward portion 50 extending between the first and second side portions 46, 48, and extending in front of the forward end portion 50 of the hull 12.

The kickboard 10 may also be configured to define a height which is greater than conventional kickboards. Referring now to FIG. 7, the height, “H”, is defined as the distance between a first plane 52 tangent to the bottom of the kickboard 10, and a second plane 52 parallel to the first plane 52 and tangent to the top of the kickboard 10. In this regard, the first plane 52 may include the imaginary apex plane 30 tangent to the apex of the second surface 18, and the second plane 54 may be tangent to an upper surface of the arm rest 14. Many conventional kickboards define a maximum height equal to approximately 30 mm. Various embodiments of the kickboard 10 define a height that exceeds 30 mm. A preferred implementation of the kickboard 10 defines a height equal to approximately 62 mm. although other embodiments of the kickboard 10 define heights that exceed 62 mm.

The kickboard 10 may be formed from a material that is preferably lightweight, can float in water, and can withstand repeated uses in water. According to one embodiment, the kickboard 10 is formed from compression molded ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, or other materials known by those skilled in the art.

The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A kickboard for use in water, the kickboard comprising: a central hull having a first surface and a generally opposing second surface, the hull being disposable in the water such that the first surface faces away from the water and the second surface is in the water, the second surface defining a convex configuration; and an arm rest extending on opposed sides of the central hull and being grippable by a user.
 2. The kickboard recited in claim 1 wherein the central hull defines a longitudinal axis, the central hull being configured such that the second surface is curved within a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
 3. The kickboard recited in claim 2 wherein the second surface is curved within a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis.
 4. The kickboard recited in claim 1 wherein the central hull defines a longitudinal axis, the central hull being configured such that the second surface defines a V-shaped configuration within a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
 5. The kickboard recited in claim 1 wherein the first surface defines a concave configuration.
 6. The kickboard recited in claim 1 wherein the central hull defines a longitudinal axis and the second surface defines an apex having a first plane tangent to the apex, central hull extending from the first plane along an axis perpendicular to the first plane and terminating to define a second plane parallel to the first plane, the kickboard defining a maximum height as the distance between the first plane and the second plane, the maximum height being greater than 30 mm.
 7. The kickboard recited in claim 6 wherein the maximum height is approximately 62 mm.
 8. The kickboard recited in claim 1 wherein distance between the first surface and second surface is substantially uniform.
 9. The kickboard recited in claim 1 wherein the central hull defines a forward end portion and a rearward end portion, the rearward end portion terminating to define a concave edge.
 10. The kickboard recited in claim 1 wherein the arm rest is integrally formed with the hull portion.
 11. The kickboard recited in claim 1 wherein the hull is formed from a foam material.
 12. A kickboard for use in water, the kickboard comprising: a central hull defining a longitudinal axis and having a curved external surface disposable in the water; and an arm rest extending on opposed sides of the central hull and being grippable by a user, the arm rest defining an arm; the kickboard being pivotable about the longitudinal axis during use of the kickboard in the water.
 13. The kickboard recited in claim 12, the hull including a first surface and an opposing second surface, the hull being disposable in the water such that the first surface faces away from the water and the second surface is in the water, the second surface defining a convex configuration.
 14. The kickboard recited in claim 13 wherein the second surface is curved within a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis.
 15. The kickboard recited in claim 12 wherein the central hull defines a longitudinal axis, the central hull being configured such that the second surface defines a V-shaped configuration within a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
 16. The kickboard recited in claim 12 wherein the first surface defines a concave configuration.
 17. The kickboard recited in claim 12 wherein the central hull defines a longitudinal axis and the second surface defines an apex having a first plane tangent to the apex, central hull extending from the first plane along an axis perpendicular to the first plane and terminating to define a second plane parallel to the first plane, the kickboard defining a maximum height as the distance between the first plane and the second plane, the maximum height being greater than 30 mm.
 18. The kickboard recited in claim 17 wherein the maximum height is approximately 62 mm.
 19. The kickboard recited in claim 12 wherein distance between the first surface and second surface is substantially uniform.
 20. The kickboard recited in claim 12 wherein the central hull defines a forward end portion and a rearward end portion, the rearward end portion terminating to define a concave edge. 